This book presents a concise history of the first 100 years of development of the school of speech at Northwestern University (Illinois). Following an introduction that provides an overview of the school, the first chapter focuses on both the efforts of Robert McLean Cumnock to found a school of oratory on the principles of elocution and the school's first years under his direction (1878-1913). Chapters two and three discuss the administration of Cumnock's successor, Ralph Brownell Dennis, and his efforts to broaden the school's curriculum (1913-1942). The administrations of the third dean, James H. McBurney (1942-1972), and of his successor, Roy V. Wood (who is the current dean), are explored in the fourth chapter, as is the school's departmentalization into the areas of interpretation, public speaking, theatre, speech reeducation, and radio. Chapter five presents brief biographies of the faculty members of the school's 100 years and describes the changes in educational focus brought about by these instructors, while chapter six deals with notable alumni of the school. Chapter seven describes the numerous organizations stemming from and associated with the school. A concluding chapter speculates on the future of the school and is followed by a list of the faculty members and the dates of their appointments to the university. (HTH)